Film Night- Symphony of the Soil

Breadalbane Plains Landcare Group were the first to host the new film Symphony of the Soils on 31st August. Over 40 people attended the evening which was also the launch of the “Healthy Soils, Healthy People, Healthy Communities” Project. The Breadalbane Landcare group did an wonderful job catering for the event in keeping with the healthy ideals of the project(particular thanks to the groups new secretary, Deb McPherson) and the film was very well received by those who attended and a great start for our new project. For those who were unable to attend there will be a second screening with Roslyn Landcare Group on Friday 27th September 6.00pm See flyer for details Symphony of the Soil Flyer- Roslyn

Symphony of the Soil is an exceptional new film by Deborah Koons Garcia. The film pays loving homage to the beauty and the wondrous mystery of soil and presents the vital and unique a role soil plays in supporting planetary life.

The film, starts with the origins of soil, It takes us on a global journey to see how different soils are formed in nature, helping to reveal some of the mysteries and interesting properties that define the various soil types. It shows how minerals are ground by glaciers to a fine texture until they reach the sea. In a “dialogue of nutrients”, the seas will give up its soil components, exchanging it for others; as soil scientist, Dr Ignacio Chapela, observes, it is extremely rare to have a planet covered with soil.

The film travels the four corners of the globe: from India where a biodynamic farmer works at undoing the harm done by the so-called Green Revolution – to Wales where former Soil Association director Patrick Holden talks about the soil being ‘in good heart’.Soil is where biology and geology combine. The film travels to Hawaii where each of its islands have formed at different times: the separate stratas are clearly visible, illustrating the ancient formation of soils.

Dr Elaine Ingham, another expert scientist quizzed in the film describes soil life as ‘Times Square’. She explains how this plentiful soil life is vital for feeding the plants. Every bit of the plant pours out food to grow bacteria and fungi that form around the root system ‘like a castle walls’ to protect the plant. In turn the bacteria release food that the plant requires.

Soil, we are told, is extremely rare in the universe. Not only does it embody life as comprised of billions of bacteria, and other living organisms that break down matter into organic nutrients, soil provides a living substrate upon which plants can grow. In contrast to dirt, which is without life, and must be supplanted with fertilizers and other chemical inputs as a viable medium for plants to grow, the abundance of soil on our planet also enables more complex forms of life to exist, and to thrive.

Here is a comment from Ray Shiel about the film What a fabulous film!!!!!!!! Every person in Australia should see it……….. it would give them an understanding of how things work…… Everything goes back to the soil.”